It's obvious that things that happen in your own life, or in the lives of people you care about, have an effect on you. And most of the time, those things are unavoidable. You have to deal with them. They cause you stress, even upset you. But you have no choice. That's reality. But you do have a choice on other things you let in your life – call it a filter. Things happen in this world – awful things – and the media is all over them. When something bad happens it's all over television, radio (even social media). This is avoidable. You can build your own filter. You can choose what to listen to and what to avoid. Most recently I noticed the death of Robin Williams – it was everywhere. Yes, I needed to know he died and perhaps even that it was a tragic death, but beyond that I didn't need the details. And I didn't need to hear it over and over again. So I changed the channel, the station, and skipped by the posts that repeatedly reported on his death. I chose not to let that upsetting information into my mind. A friend of mine – who more and more I think is very wise – chooses not to watch or listen to any media news reports. He watches no news on television, doesn't listen to it on the radio and does not read any newspapers. At first I thought this was odd, but now I think it's genius. He keeps negativity out of his life and it helps reduce his anxiety and control depression. There really isn't that much good news that he feels he's missing. Perhaps the news doesn't upset you – it does me – but if it does, you may want to consider applying a filter of your own.

Sleep disorders are a core symptom of bipolar disorder. Healthline.com reports sleep as one of three major physical necessities for good health – the other two being nutritious diet and regular exercise. Sleep is an indicator of bipolar episodes and psychiatrists usually regularly inquire about your sleep. A lack of sleep is a symptom of mania. When manic, one can sleep just a few hours per night or even go days without sleeping. On the other end of the spectrum, when one is depressed they can sleep for hours on end – even up to 20 hours per day. A healthy sleep schedule can go a long way to controlling bipolar disorder. Some things that help adjust the sleep schedule include natural sunlight – particularly in the morning, light therapy through a light box, and the hormone melatonin. All of these can help adjust your sleep schedule when you have fallen off track. Falling asleep when manic is challenging – just as much so as getting up when you're depressed. Though certain medication can help you sleep, so too can some medication cause sleep disturbances. Some factors to consider when trying to have a healthy sleep schedule include: routine, limiting alcohol and caffeine before bed, limiting exercise before bed, removing televisions and computers from the bedroom, keeping a dark room, reducing noise (but try white noise), a warm bath or other relaxing activity before bed, and as a final resort – sleep medication. If you're using a mood chart, include the number of hours you slept the night before. It can be interesting to see the results your sleep has on your mood. This can be helpful to your doctor. Sleep also effects your anxiety and irritability levels. It's much more difficult to manage your bipolar symptoms when you're not sleeping well. Sweet dreams.

Anyone who knows me well, knows I worry. People joke about it and tease me, but it can become quite debilitating. For example, my anxiety around driving actually prohibits me from going places. There are a few words that are inter-related: “worry” is defined as to think about problems or fears, “stress” the state of mental tension and worry, “ruminate” to go over in the mind repeatedly, and “anxiety” the fear about what might happen. I have elevated to the state of anxiety. These states are exaggerated because mostly they occur about things out of our control. To which the non-worrier would state, “then why worry.” Too logical.

This past month has given me many things to worry about, and therefore my anxiety level has been quite high. If you read my blogs on “travel” and “Ireland” you will no doubt notice the many opportunities I had to worry. First there was the lead up to Ireland where anything could go wrong – driving on the highway, getting to the airport on time, would my luggage be overweight, would I pass security without further examination. The worst had to be the take-off in the plane, where anything could happen and which brought me to tears. My worry subsided somewhat after we reached a comfortable flying altitude. But then it was time to start worrying about the landing. It's almost like a job. The trip home seemed worse – I worried more I think. There was the added element of the bus ride to the airport. I worried a lot about that. And of course our luggage weighed more – that was a concern. My anxiety was very high the day we came home.During the time I was away, my son travelled to Madagascar, Africa on a humanitarian mission with Scouts Canada. He was gone almost a month. That sure gave me a lot to worry about. So much could happen over there and I was so far away. They were building a school. He could be injured on the job site, contract any number of diseases, or miss his flight home. And everything warranted worry for me. Back I was on the highway to the airport. Would his plane be one time – and it wasn't. Due to a storm he was actually diverted to another airport, so it was hurry up and wait for four hours – all the while my anxiety level was rising. In the end he made it home safely and I felt the greatest relief I have felt in I don't know how long.My daughter is allergic to nuts and soy – very common products. This causes me huge anxiety. Whenever she is out of my care I worry. It is a constant source of anxiety for me.

Ruminating causes stress and anxiety to rise. It's not always controllable but keeping busy helps. I vow to try to keep my mind busier than it has been. And I'm grateful that most of my worrying ends up for not.